Too many external hard drives? Here's how to find the right one

Typical price i
76.– to 140.–

Offers sufficient space for everyday files, such as documents, photos, and a limited number of videos.

Ideal for users who require basic storage and backup, such as students or casual users with moderate data needs.

Typical price i
140.– to 420.–

Provides ample storage for larger files, including high-resolution videos, extensive photo libraries, and software collections.

Recommended for professionals, such as photographers or videographers, who need to store and manage significant amounts of data.

Typical price i
400.– to 1000.–

Delivers a vast amount of storage for extensive data archives, such as large databases, extensive media projects, or backup systems.

Best suited for businesses or advanced users with heavy data demands, ensuring all critical information is securely stored and easily accessible.

Typical price i
150.– to 710.–

A modern and versatile connection type, USB-C supports high data transfer rates and can also provide power to connected devices.

Ideal for users with newer laptops and smartphones, USB-C offers convenience and fast performance, making it great for transferring large files quickly.

Typical price i
710.– to 1600.–

Thunderbolt 3 provides extremely high data transfer speeds, up to 40 Gbps, and supports daisy chaining multiple devices.

Perfect for professionals who work with large video files or need high-speed connections for demanding tasks, ensuring smooth workflows and quick backups.

Typical price i
100.– to 370.–

An upgrade over USB 3.0, USB 3.2 offers faster speeds and improved data handling for high-performance devices.

Great for gamers or content creators, it enhances file transfer times and allows for efficient multitasking with external storage.

Typical price i
85.– to 260.–

USB 3.0 allows for significantly faster data transfer compared to its predecessor, USB 2.0, with speeds up to 5 Gbps.

A reliable choice for everyday users, it is widely compatible with many devices, making it suitable for standard backups and file transfers.

Typical price i
80.– to 170.–

Utilizes standard USB connections to provide power, allowing for a more streamlined design without the need for an external adapter.

Ideal for users who value portability and convenience, as it enables operation directly from laptops or compatible chargers.

Typical price i
240.– to 990.–

Requires a dedicated power outlet for operation, typically featuring a separate power adapter.

Best suited for users who need high-capacity drives for extensive data storage and transfers, ensuring consistent performance during heavy usage.

Typical price i
80.– to 150.–

Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in bags or pockets.

Ideal for on-the-go users, such as students or professionals, who need portable storage solutions.

Typical price i
240.– to 990.–

Larger form factor typically offers more storage capacity, often exceeding 4TB.

Best suited for stationary use, such as desktop setups or home media centers, providing ample space for backups and media libraries.

Renowned for durable and high-capacity external hard drives suited for both personal and professional use.

Offers extensive customer support and warranties, ensuring peace of mind for users storing important data.

Known for a wide range of external drives that balance performance and affordability, catering to various storage needs.

Provides features like backup software and advanced data recovery options, making it ideal for casual users and professionals alike.

Recognized for stylish designs and high-performance drives, often favored by creative professionals for media storage.

Offers rugged options that withstand tough conditions, making it suitable for on-the-go usage in demanding environments.

Offers reliable drives known for their speed and efficiency, ideal for gamers and tech enthusiasts.

Combines affordability with performance, making it a great choice for users seeking value without compromising quality.

Provides a range of budget-friendly external drives suitable for everyday use and basic storage needs.

Great for users looking for cost-effective solutions without needing advanced features or specifications.